Maria Walsh and Nina Carberry selected to represent Fine Gael in Midlands North West Euro elections

Outgoing MEP Maria Walsh and Nina Carberry have been selected by Fine Gael members in Midlands North West to represent the party at June’s European Elections.

The selection convention took place at Sheraton Athlone Hotel today with hundreds in attendance.

Prior to the convention, FG's second outgoing MEP in the constituency, Colm Markey, announced he wouldn't be seeking the party nomination. 

While Simon Harris was also confirmed as Fine Gael's new leader. 

Maria Walsh MEP said, “I’m delighted to have been chosen once again as a Fine Gael candidate for the Midlands North West in the upcoming European elections.

“I am proud to stand as a progressive candidate, with a proven track record over the past five years. I hope to continue my work in progressing healthcare, rural development, the economy and equality into a second term in Brussels. In particular, I hope to deliver the first ever EU Mental Health Action Plan if re-elected - a much needed strategy given that death by suicide is the second leading cause of death for our young people in the EU.

“Now more than ever, we need competent and transparent politicians representing our nation on the European stage. I look forward to meeting constituents across all 15 counties between now and the election, and asking for their vote to allow me to continue my work as a strong and impactful voice for them at the EU decision-making table.

“I would like to extend a warm welcome to my running mate, Nina Carberry - a fantastic candidate whom I look forward to working with over the coming months to secure two seats for Fine Gael in the Midlands North West.”

Nina Carberry said: “I want to thank the Fine Gael members of the Midlands North West constituency for placing their faith in me and selecting me as their candidate today.

“Having spent two decades travelling the country, I understand the challenges faced by communities spanning rural, urban and commuter belt areas. I want to support the work of farmers and small business owners and to open doors for more educational opportunities for our young people.

“I believe people who feel they can make a difference need to put their hand up to make things happen. My life and career have taught me a lot about reputation, loyalty, enterprise and reward and now is the time for me to give something back.

“I am excited for the challenge of this campaign and am confident in my ability to deliver for Fine Gael and for Midland North West.”

Fine Gael’s European Director of Elections Minister Simon Coveney, who chaired the convention, said: “Over the last five years, Maria Walsh has shown herself to be a dedicated and skilled representative of the people of Midlands North West in the European Parliament. I’m particularly proud of the work she did protecting Ireland during Brexit and the Covid pandemic.

“Politics needs new faces and new voices and I’m delighted Nina Carberry is entering the fray. Nina is a champion in sport but she’s also at the heart of her community and family and ready to work for them in Brussels. I’ve gotten to know Nina in recent weeks and I’m excited that such a dynamic and intelligent person is entering politics for Fine Gael.”